7 Days Austria Itinerary

Day 1–2: Vienna

  • Arrive in Vienna, the elegant capital of Austria known for its imperial architecture, classical music heritage, and historic coffee house culture. After checking into your hotel, begin exploring the city’s grand boulevards and historic districts.
  • Visit the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the summer residence of the Habsburg emperors. Explore the lavishly decorated palace interiors and spend time walking through the expansive gardens that stretch behind the palace.
  • Spend time at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, one of Vienna’s most recognizable landmarks. Located in the heart of the historic center, the cathedral features impressive Gothic architecture and panoramic views from its tower.
  • Continue your sightseeing with a visit to the beautiful Belvedere Palace, a baroque palace complex that houses impressive art collections including works by Gustav Klimt, such as the famous painting The Kiss.
  • Experience Vienna’s famous coffee house culture by relaxing in one of the city’s traditional cafés. Enjoy local desserts like Sachertorte or apple strudel while soaking in the historic ambiance that has made Vienna’s cafés famous across Europe.

Day 3: Salzburg

  • Travel from Vienna to Salzburg, a charming alpine city known as the birthplace of Mozart and famous for its beautifully preserved old town. The journey offers scenic views of Austria’s countryside and rolling hills.
  • Visit the impressive Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. Sitting high above the city, the fortress offers spectacular views of Salzburg’s historic center and surrounding mountains.
  • Walk through the picturesque Mirabell Gardens, a baroque garden famous for its floral displays, statues, and fountains. The gardens also provide one of the best views of the fortress above the city.
  • Explore the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, which has been turned into a museum showcasing the life, music, and legacy of the legendary composer.

Day 4: Hallstatt

  • Take a scenic drive to Hallstatt, widely considered one of the most beautiful villages in Europe. The village sits along a peaceful alpine lake surrounded by dramatic mountains.
  • Spend time wandering through the narrow streets of the lakeside village, where traditional houses, small cafés, and charming shops create a postcard-perfect setting.
  • Visit the historic Hallstatt Salt Mine, one of the oldest salt mines in the world. Guided tours take visitors deep into the mountain to learn about the region’s ancient salt mining history.
  • Stop at scenic viewpoints above the village to capture panoramic views of the lake, colorful houses, and surrounding alpine landscape.

Day 5: Innsbruck

  • Travel to Innsbruck, a beautiful alpine city located in the heart of the Austrian Alps and famous for winter sports as well as its charming old town.
  • Visit the famous Golden Roof, a historic balcony decorated with more than 2,000 gilded copper tiles. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city.
  • Take the cable car to the Nordkette for breathtaking views of Innsbruck and the surrounding alpine peaks. The journey itself is one of the highlights of visiting the city.
  • Spend time walking through the colorful old town streets where historic buildings, cafés, and local shops create a charming alpine atmosphere.

Day 6: Grossglockner Alpine Road

  • Experience one of Europe’s most scenic drives along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road. This famous mountain road winds through the Alps and offers spectacular views of glaciers, valleys, and alpine peaks.
  • Stop at the many observation points along the road to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Visit viewpoints where you can see the impressive Pasterze Glacier as well as Austria’s highest mountain, Grossglockner.
  • Take short walks along alpine trails to experience the region’s dramatic landscapes and fresh mountain air.

Day 7: Wachau Valley and Departure

  • On your final day, explore the scenic Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage region famous for vineyards, medieval villages, and beautiful views along the Danube River.
  • Visit charming towns such as Dürnstein and Melk, where historic streets, colorful buildings, and riverside views create a relaxing atmosphere.
  • Stop at the stunning Melk Abbey, a magnificent baroque monastery overlooking the Danube and one of the most famous landmarks in the region.
  • After exploring the valley and enjoying the vineyard landscapes, return to Vienna for your departure.